Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
A tranquil, less crowded beach park south of Cocoa Beach, offering a peaceful escape with picnic facilities and dog-friendly hours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best for dogs
Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best for dogs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, less crowded beach park south of Cocoa Beach, offering a peaceful escape with picnic facilities and dog-friendly hours.
"Perfect for a low-key beach day away from the crowds, with clean facilities and a peaceful vibe."
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce! Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting nearby parks if full.
🐾 Dog Hours Check
Dogs allowed 6-10 AM & 4-7 PM (later DST). Always verify signs for current rules.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Beach Access
Beachfront
Escape the crowds on this peaceful stretch of sand, ideal for relaxation and quiet beach days.
Picnic Pavilion
Near parking lot
Enjoy a meal with a view at the park's pavilion, complete with tables and a grill for a perfect beachside picnic.
Dolphin & Turtle Spotting
Near the water
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and sea turtles, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secluded Beach Bliss
Doggy Beach Day Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce! Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting nearby parks if full.
🐾 Dog Hours Check
Dogs allowed 6-10 AM & 4-7 PM (later DST). Always verify signs for current rules.
Never been to Cocoa Beach, how do I get started on visiting?
🏖️ Secluded Beach Vibe
Enjoy a peaceful beach day away from the typical tourist hustle. Perfect for relaxation.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient foot-washing station available to clean off sand before heading home.
Public parking
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce! Arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider visiting nearby parks if full.
🐾 Dog Hours Check
Dogs allowed 6-10 AM & 4-7 PM (later DST). Always verify signs for current rules.
🏖️ Secluded Beach Vibe
Enjoy a peaceful beach day away from the typical tourist hustle. Perfect for relaxation.
🚿 Rinse Off Easily
Convenient foot-washing station available to clean off sand before heading home.
🐢 Wildlife Sightings
Great spot for spotting dolphins and sea turtles, especially near the bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park for its peaceful, less crowded atmosphere, making it a great alternative to busier Cocoa Beach spots. The availability of restrooms and a picnic pavilion adds to its convenience. However, some confusion exists regarding dog access rules, and parking can be very limited.
"We were hunting a more secluded beach at Cocoa beach. This park/ publix beach access was perfect! Because it is in a residential area rather than a hotel area there were not a lot of people, mainly polite families scattered here and there. It was exactly what we were hunting. And there was a spot to wash the sand off of your feet and a public bathroom that was cleaner than most public beach bathrooms."
Cheryl Horn
"Nice little park with picnic table, restrooms and beach access. Only a dozen parking spots plus a couple handicapped spots, but lots of other small parks nearby. Clean park and beach"
Robert Banach
"Dogs allowed, however, upon exiting the parking lot and approaching the little pedestrian footbridge to the beach there is a large sign that says no dogs!?!?!
If you keep walking, cross the footbridge, and turn left once you hit the sand, there is a sign (see my photos here) that says dog friendly beach!!!
But dogs are only permitted from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. and then 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. (unless it's daylight savings time, then you can take your dog until 9:00 p.m.) See my photos for the sign about dog hours.
Human Hours: Dawn to dusk. There are public restrooms off of the parking lot (steps away from the beach). The parking lot holds about 25 cars. Only 3 spaces used at sunrise when we visited!"
Mike Dooley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located south of Cocoa Beach, Florida, in a residential area. It's accessible by car, but parking is limited.
Yes, there is free parking, but the lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
Visiting on weekdays or during early mornings and late afternoons generally offers a less crowded experience.
Yes, it's a feasible day trip from Orlando, offering a quieter beach alternative to more popular spots. The drive is approximately 1 hour.
It's situated in a residential area just south of the main Cocoa Beach strip, offering a more local feel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the park and beach access is free. Parking is also complimentary.
Human access is typically from dawn to dusk. Specific dog hours apply.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee.
Generally, standard beach items are allowed. Check local signage for any specific restrictions, especially regarding dogs.
The park offers restrooms, beach access, and a pavilion with picnic tables and a grill.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, have a picnic, and potentially spot wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.
Compared to other Cocoa Beach locations, this park offers a more secluded and less crowded beach experience.
Yes, there are public restrooms located off the parking lot, close to the beach access.
While not explicitly stated as a fishing spot, people are often seen fishing nearby, particularly from the pedestrian bridge.
The sand is typical of the Florida coast – soft and light, suitable for sunbathing and walking.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture serene beach scenes, the pedestrian bridge, and potentially wildlife like dolphins. Early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful light.
The pedestrian footbridge leading to the beach is a common and picturesque spot for photos.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for beach photography.
Yes, it's a good location for wildlife photography, especially for dolphins and sea turtles if you're lucky.
Due to its less crowded nature, it's generally easier to capture photos with fewer people in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach itself is the main attraction, the opportunity to spot dolphins or sea turtles can add an element of wonder for younger visitors. Remember to check the dog hours if you plan to bring a pet, as this might affect access to certain areas or times. Overall, it provides a relaxed setting for a family beach day without the overwhelming crowds of more popular spots.
🐶 Dog Owners
Navigating the signage is important; while some areas might seem restrictive, crossing the footbridge and turning left on the sand usually leads to the designated dog-friendly zone.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The park's amenities, like the picnic pavilion, are perfect for a romantic lunch or a tranquil solo meal. The opportunity to spot wildlife adds a touch of natural beauty and wonder to the experience. It's a place to unwind and reconnect with nature in a serene environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Dog Rules
It's important to note that while the main park area might have signs indicating no dogs, a short walk across the pedestrian footbridge and a turn to the left on the sand reveals signage explicitly permitting dogs within those hours. Always double-check the posted signs upon arrival to ensure compliance and a smooth experience for you and your pet.
Remember to always keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to maintain the park's pristine condition for all visitors.
The Charm of Seclusion
Visitors often describe it as a 'low key beach' perfect for 'relaxing the day away.' The limited parking and residential setting naturally deter large crowds, allowing for a more personal and serene beach outing. This makes it ideal for families seeking a calmer environment or individuals looking for a quiet spot to read, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves.
The park provides essential amenities like restrooms and a picnic pavilion, enhancing the convenience for a full day of relaxation without needing to leave the area. The clean beach and scattered, polite families further contribute to the park's reputation as a hidden gem for a peaceful coastal escape.
Wildlife Encounters
Additionally, the area is known for sea turtles, particularly during certain times of the year. Redditors have shared experiences of seeing young sea turtles, especially around the Jetty Park fishing pier area, which is in close proximity.
While sightings are never guaranteed, visiting during the quieter hours of early morning or late afternoon can increase your chances of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit